V E T S
VETERAN ENGAGEMENT & TRAIL STEWARDSHIP
AZT VETS: IN SERVICE TO NATURE
Our motto is “We build, We protect”
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Our mission is to connect those who have served our country with fellow service members and the Arizona National Scenic Trail
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The Arizona Trail Association VETS Program was designed to create meaningful opportunities for military veterans on and off the trail
CONNECTION
// Volunteer events — exclusively for the military community
// Fox Squad Ops — seasonal paid immersive backcountry experiences
// Local meet-ups & wellness hikes
// Discounts on races, team-sponsored events, & community service projects
// Join our socials on Instagram, Facebook, & X (formerly Twitter)
CURRENT EVENTS
// DOWNLOAD / AZT VETS FALL 2024 EVENT FLYER
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VETS PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT / 2023
// DOWNLOAD / VETS PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT / 2023
PRESS
// “VETS ON THE ARIZONA TRAIL” / MARE CZNINAR / CITIZEN HIKER [PHOENIX MAGAZINE] / 05SEP2024
// “VETS PROGRAM GIVES FORMER MILITARY MEMBERS AN ARIZONA OUTDOOR BOOST” / BIANCA MORALES / TUCSON SENTINEL / 14AUG2024
// “ARIZONA TRAIL ASSOCIATION VETS PROGRAM OFFERS CAMARADERIE IN THE DESERT” / DAVID ABBOTT / TUCSON WEEKLY / 10NOV2023
// “ATA, VETERANS PROGRAM BRING VETS TO THE SANTA RITAS” / ZAY HARTIGAN / PATAGONIA REGIONAL TIMES / 01OCT2021
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“IN THE SERVICE OF NATURE” / DAVID ABBOTT / TUCSON LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE / DEC2021
// DOWNLOAD / “IN THE SERVICE OF NATURE” – PAGES 54/55, PAGE 56, & PAGE 57
MEDIA
LIVESTREAM / PODCAST
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DONATE
The VETS Program needs essential camping equipment and packable, lightweight trail tools for the newest “branch” of the VETS Program called Fox Squad — providing backcountry trail work experiences for veterans
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Trail Boss 3-Piece Handle w/ McLeod & Steel Segment Upgrade – (x6) $340
Trail Boss Hard Rake – (x1) $85
Trail Boss Pick/Mattock – (x3) $95
Trail Boss Hoe Rake – (x2) $105
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REI Trailmade 1 Tent with Footprint – (x4) $179
REI Co-op Trailmade 20 Sleeping Bag – Reg (x4), Lng (x4) $100
REI Co-op Campwell Sleeping Pad – Reg (x4), Lng (x4) $119-$139
REI Co-op AirRail Plus Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad – Reg (x4), Lng (x4) $115
REI Co-op Wonderland Chair – (x4) $100
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TO MAKE A MONETARY DONATION
use the online form below
– OR –
mail personal checks to:
Arizona Trail Association, Memo: “VETS Program”
738 N 5th Avenue, Suite 201, Tucson, Arizona 85705
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CASH CONTRIBUTIONS ALWAYS ACCEPTED
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Online Form
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COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Eagle Expeditions is a program by Team RWB, that allows Eagles to enjoy nature, challenge themselves, and experience camaraderie. This year’s Expedition roster offers varying challenges and diverse areas for exploration, growth, and forging new relationships, from rugged backpacking to canoeing to service projects. Check our past expeditions here! Watch this video to learn more about our 2024 expeditions. Regional chapters and the Team RWB App deliver virtual and local, consistent, and inclusive opportunities for veterans and the community to connect through physical and social activity.
Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization built to serve global communities before, during, and after disasters and crises. No operation is too large or small for its members (or Grey Shirts). “We go where disaster strikes, helping the people that need us most, in the moments they need us most.”
BaseCamp for Veterans, Inc.‘s (BCI) mission is to respond to the needs of those who serve our nation and protect its values by promoting personal and professional growth and contributing to an effective, sustainable path toward reintegration. They offer immersive week-long groundwork-focused equine therapy programs and additional services, including peer-to-peer mentoring, bi-monthly therapy sessions, and monthly equine therapy clinics for veterans and their family members.
Two Wolf Foundation‘s mission is to promote post-traumatic growth, healing, and purpose in combat veterans and first responders’ lives through service-based land stewardship programs and conservation projects in partnership with public land agencies. TWF is committed to aiding research efforts on wilderness-based recreational therapy for combatting the effects of service-related trauma by mobilizing our nation’s combat veterans and first responders to contribute and serve with new purpose towards the protection, conservation, and sustainment of our U.S. public land systems. “TWF brings our country’s incredible warriors together to connect, serve, and grow stronger in unique and inspiring landscapes.”
Founded in 2016, Veterans Walk And Talk (VWAT) has held space for veterans nationwide. Based in Southern California with chapters nationwide, VWAT’s mission is to empower veterans to take control of their health journey using tools like physical exercise, alternative medicine, and community engagement. “Self-reflection amongst supporters in a safe space has proven to alleviate many of the hardships veterans and their loved ones face. Walk-and-talk therapy coupled with wellness modalities equals a recipe for growth.”
My Veteran Passion was designed to help veterans transition into the civilian post-service community by connecting them with resources, benefits, and educational opportunities. MVP’s veteran supporters connect with other veterans through physical training and various virtual online platforms.
Warrior Expeditions’ Warrior Hike Program includes long-distance thru-hiking expeditions across the country. Veterans are provided with everything required to complete an expedition. Since 2017, the ATA has sponsored veterans as they complete the 800+ mile journey across the Arizona National Scenic Trail. We look forward to renewing our support with Warrior Hikes on the AZT.
CONTACT
Michael “Chappy” Chappell – AZT VETS Program Director
Call/text (970) 779-5740 or click to email
The VETS Program is a proud Be Connected Partner Organization. The Be Connected Network is a nationally recognized partnership focused on ensuring there is no wrong door and no wrong person for service members, veterans, or family members to turn to for help.
The AZT VETS are honored to be members of the VOAG Coalition! Click on the graphic below to learn more about the Veteran’s Outdoor Advocacy Group and their incredible work to ensure Outdoor Adjunct Therapy is available to EVERY veteran receiving services through the VA Healthcare System.
